3D printing can build whole houses quickly and affordably. Our maintenance division had a similar idea to improve efficiency and cut costs at our water and wastewater facilities. At the Pleasant Grove Wastewater Treatment Plant, maintenance staff use 3D printing for these purposes.
Dustin McQueary, a preventative maintenance technician, and Viktor Kravchuk, an instrument and control technician, have been using a 3D printer to make custom parts for different equipment in the water and wastewater divisions.
The decision to incorporate 3D printing technology stemmed from a growing need to quickly replace and customize parts that were either unavailable, expensive or had long lead times. Maintenance teams already had machining and fabrication techniques, so including the 3D printer would prove beneficial.
With the support of management, they acquired a 3D printer and began experimenting with different materials and designs to create usable components. Dustin and Viktor efficiently produced the necessary fittings and parts for maintenance and repair on-site.
“The finished product is just one aspect of the printer,” said Kravchuk. “It’s the process, the research, the software, and the precise measurements we take that show the benefits of using this technology.”
The results are impressive. By making custom parts themselves, the plants have reduced wait times for replacement parts, reducing downtime. This quick turnaround improves the wastewater treatment processes, saves money, and helps them respond faster to maintenance and emergencies. It also allows them to put safety solutions in place immediately, creating a safer work environment for everyone. As a bonus, producing parts on demand has reduced the need for extensive inventories and minimized waste.
Dustin and Viktor have helped create and print parts for our wastewater collection division, which maintains hundreds of miles of sewer pipes. They designed a part for the pipeline camera crawler (a handy piece of equipment for inspecting and repairing sewer pipes) that was so useful that the division is considering buying a 3D printer. This would save money on expensive replacement parts.
"Innovation isn't just a buzzword in our division—it's at the core of our operations. The 3D printing crew is a great example of how developing new skills and solutions can have a positive impact,” said Tracie Mueller, Wastewater Utility Manager.
Dustin and Viktor gained hands-on experience with 3D printing technology through this new process. They are also becoming more skilled in using computer-aided design (CAD) software, making them even more valuable team members. Their initiative shows how new technologies can significantly improve operations and professional development.
Their success demonstrates the practical benefits of 3D printing and underscores the importance of continuous learning and innovation in maintaining and enhancing our city's vital infrastructure.
